
Craps is one of the best games in any real casino because it’s straightforward and fun, and the exciting part is that you can play craps online. But be careful, as betting on craps can empty your wallet. That’s why it’s important to know how to play and what the best craps strategy is to win more often.
In this article, you’ll learn the main terminologies, rules, and basic tutorials of craps, as well as strategies for the craps table game. You’ll also learn about the best kinds of craps bets that can improve your chances of winning, whether you’re playing craps online or just in a physical casino.

Terminologies
Craps is a casino game that has its own unique language. While you don’t need to understand every term, knowing some can enhance your understanding of the game. Here are a few basic terms from the craps table that can be helpful, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player:
Terminology & Meaning
- Ace – A die that shows the value of one
- All the spots we got – A roll of one
- Arm – A player skilled in throwing the dice to get a certain number
- Betting right – Betting on the pass line
- Betting wrong – Betting on the don’t pass line
- Big Red – A roll of seven
- Capped Dice – A diced fixed to favor certain numbers
- Bone – Dice
- Cold table – A table where most players are losing
- Color up – Exchanging small denomination chips for larger ones
- Crap out – Throwing a 2, 3, or 12 number on the come-out roll
- Crap numbers – 2, 3, and 12
- Fever Five – A roll of five
- Front line – Pass line bets
- Hard number – Numbers rolled as a pair
- Hot table – A table where most players are winning
- Little Joe – A roll of four
- Outside numbers – 4, 5, 9, and 10
- Parlay a bet – To add winnings from one bet to the original stake and have it all wagered
- Payoff – Proceeds of a winning bet
- Payout – Odds associated with a winning bet
- Point – The value established on the coming out roll
- Pressing a bet – To double an existing bet
- Puppy paws – A roll of ten
- Right bettor – A player betting on the pass line
- Snake eyes – A roll of two
- Square pair – A hard eight or a pair of fours
- Winner on the dark side – A roll of three
- Working bets – Bets that are in play for the next roll of play
- Wrong bettor – A player who bets on the don’t pass line because a different result is expected.
Important Craps Rules
Craps are simple online casino table games that have their own rules, just like Baccarat or Fruit Zen. You need to follow these rules carefully to win the game. Here are the step-by-step rules of the game:
Starting the Game
Players place a Pass Line bet to begin, similar to picking a team to win in a sports game.
The Come-Out Roll
The first roll of the dice, made by the shooter, is called the come-out roll.
Immediate Win or Loss
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Natural Win: Shooter rolls 7 or 11. Pass Line bets win immediately.
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Craps Loss: Shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12. Pass Line bets lose instantly.
Setting the Point
If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point. The shooter’s goal is to roll the point again before a 7.
Continuing the Game
Players can place additional bets while the shooter tries to hit the point, adding more excitement to the game.
Pass Line vs. Don’t Pass Bets
- Pass Line Bet: Wins if the shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, you win if the shooter hits it before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet: Wins if the shooter rolls 2 or 3 (loses on 7 or 11) on the come-out roll. After a point is set, wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point again.
Betting Options
The betting options available in a craps game include:
- Pass Line / Don’t Pass – Place before the come-out roll. Win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12.
- Come / Don’t Come – Bet after a point. Works like Pass Line bets with the same payouts.
- Odds Bets – Side bets after a point. Pay true odds and boost your winnings.
- Place Win – Bet on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 to hit before a 7. Payout varies by number.
- Place Lose – Opposite of Place Win. Win if 7 rolls before your number.
- Buy Bets – Bet a number will appear before 7. Higher payouts than Place Win.
- Hardways – Bet a number rolls as doubles (e.g., Hard 4 = two 2s).
- Big 6 / Big 8 – Win if 6 or 8 rolls before 7. Simple and beginner-friendly.
- Field Bets – One-roll bet. Win on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12; lose on 5, 6, 8.
- Proposition Bets – Resolve on next roll. High payouts, higher house edge; best for risk-takers.

Strategies in Craps Table: Best Ways to Win Craps
Craps has many strategies to help you win more. These basic strategies depend on the bets and how well you know the game, but it is crucial to first know the strategies of shooting dice games. So, you’ll know what the best craps-winning strategy before playing the dice game.
Here are some of the best craps tips and strategies that are tested by an expert casino player:
Pass Line Bet Strategy
The pass-line bet strategy gives beginners a solid way to win at craps. You start by placing your wager on the pass line before the dice roll. The come-out roll then sets the pace for the round. Rolling a 7 or 11 results in an instant win, while a 2, 3, or 12 ends the bet with a loss. Any other number establishes the point. From there, the shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point again to win or roll a 7 and lose.
Don’t Pass Bet Strategy
You start by placing your bet on the don’t pass line. The come-out roll again plays a crucial role. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win right off the bat. If they roll a 7 or 11, you lose immediately.
A roll of 12 results in a tie. Any other number becomes the point. In this craps strategy, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling the point number again.
Come Bet Strategy
The come bet is used after the point has been set. You put your wager on the come line and wait for the next roll. If the roll results in a 7 or 11, you win immediately. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose right away. Any other number that comes up becomes your come point.
Don’t Come Bet Strategy
This strategy is similar to the don’t pass bet strategy, but it’s implemented after the point has been determined. You place your wager on the don’t come line. If the subsequent roll is a 2 or 3, you’re victorious. If it’s a 7 or 11, you’re out of luck. A roll of 12 leads to a draw. Any other number becomes your come point, and you’re a winner if a 7 appears before this number.
Odds Bet Strategy
After the point has been established, you can place an additional bet behind your initial bet, which could be a pass line, don’t pass line, come, or don’t come bet. This additional bet is called an odds bet. The odds bet pays out at true lay odds, meaning there’s no house edge.
Dark Side Betting Strategy
In this strategy, you’re betting against the shooter, meaning you’re betting that they will lose. This usually involves placing don’t pass and don’t come bets. It’s often considered taboo in a live casino setting because you’re betting against everyone else at the table, but with a one-roll bet, you could win every time.
Aggressive Craps Betting Strategy
Certain come bets offer substantial payouts, but they also come with a significant house edge, making them challenging to win. However, you could consider the aggressive craps game strategy. This approach involves taking substantial risks in hopes of substantial rewards. There’s a chance you might lose, but if you succeed, your winnings will be considerable.
Craps Payout & Winnings
Understanding the payout system in casino games can help you place better bets, win more, and earn casino bonuses. For instance, in online craps, like many online games, if you wager on a 3 to 1 chance, you receive a 2 to 1 payout. Craps offers some of the best bets and lowest house edges in casino gaming, as long as you understand how the game works.
There is a minimum and maximum bet on how much you can bet at a Craps table in any casino. But you can increase your bet on the Pass bet, Line bet, and Come bet. This gives you a better payout.
Payouts Based on Betting Options
Understanding Craps payouts helps you manage your bankroll, choose smarter bets, and play with a clear strategy. Below is a quick breakdown of common Craps bets and how their payouts work.
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets: The most common bets in Craps, paying 1:1. A $10 win returns $10 in profit plus your original bet.
- Come and Don’t Come Bets: Players place these bets after a point is set. They pay 1:1, so a $20 winning bet earns $20 in profit.
- Odds Bets: Players place these side bets after the point is established. Payouts vary by point, offering true odds. For example, a $30 bet can win $60.
- Place Win Bets: Bets on specific numbers after the point. For example, a $6 bet on 8 pays $7 if 8 rolls before 7.
- Place Lose Bets: The opposite of Place Win bets. You win if a 7 rolls before your chosen number.
- Buy Bets: Wagers that a specific number appears before a 7. These bets usually pay more than Place Win bets.
- Lay Bets: Bets that a 7 appears before a chosen number. A $40 bet on 4 wins if 7 rolls first.
- Hardways Bets: Bets on rolling doubles. A $1 Hard 8 bet pays $9 if two 4s appear before a 7 or an easy 8.
- Big 6 and Big 8 Bets: Simple bets that pay 1:1 if a 6 or 8 rolls before a 7.
- Field Bets: One-roll bets. Win 1:1 on 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, and 2:1 on 2 or 12.
- Proposition Bets: One-roll bets with varying payouts and higher risk, depending on the wager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are C and E in Craps?
A C and E bet is a wager on a roll that results in either 11 or craps. Those who place a C and E bet are predicting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, 12, or 11. The bet is successful if any of these numbers appear, along with an 11. Players often overlook this type of bet because it is not easily visible on the table.
The payout odds for a C and E bet differ for each part of the wager. If the shooter rolls an 11, this bet pays out at either 3:1 or 7:1. With a C and E bet, you have the possibility of losing one part or both parts of the wager.
Can a Player Beat Craps?
Craps is a game that you can play and win consistently. Some beginners may find craps challenging to conquer. While it might not be the easiest game in the casino, you can triumph over it if the house advantage is minimal. To secure a victory, you need to understand the game thoroughly and employ the most effective craps strategy that offers high odds.
Which Craps Bet Gives You the Safest Odds?
Players often choose the safest bets in Craps because they carry low risk. Pass Line and Come bets offer simple wagering, a small house edge, and strong odds. To win a Pass Line bet, you need to roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. Avoid placing Pass Line bets after the come-out roll, since doing so reduces your chances of winning.
What Is the Best Strategy for Craps?
The most effective strategy in craps is to wager on the pass line. This implies that you’re playing in collaboration with others, rather than opposing them on the Don’t Pass Line. This craps strategy provides superior odds, a minimal house edge, and larger payouts.
Another approach is the pass-bet strategy. In this method, you place supplementary bets following the initial roll to boost your wager. When you increase your wager, you improve your chances of winning a Pass Line bet, especially when you place a free odds bet. You might lose, but if you win, you win big.
Conclusion
Remember, craps is a fun and simple game that you can enjoy in a real casino or online. But always be mindful of your bets, as they can quickly drain your funds. With the proper knowledge and strategy, you can increase your chances of winning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the key is to understand the game and play smartly. Happy gaming!
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